Chillingworth's Famous Statement

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 11, 1915

Chillingworth's Famous Statement

The Bible, I say, the Bible only, is the religion of Protestants. . . . I for my part, after a long and, as I verily, believe and hope, impartial search of ‘the true way to eternal happiness,’ do profess plainly that I cannot find any rest for the sole of my foot but upon this Rock only.

I see plainly and with mine own eyes that there are popes against popes, councils against councils, some fathers against others, the same fathers against themselves, a consent of fathers of one age against a consent of the fathers of another age. . . .

There is no sufficient certainty but of Scripture only for any considering man to build upon. This, therefore, and this only, I have reason to believe; this I will profess; according to this I will live; and for this, if there be occasion, I will not only willingly, but even gladly, lose my life; though I should be sorry that Christians should take it from me. Propose me anything out of this Book, and require whether I believe it or no, and seem it never so incomprehensible to human reason, I will subscribe it with heart and hand, as knowing no demonstration can be stronger than this: God hath said so, therefore it is true. — “Works of Wm. Chillingworth, M. A.,” Oxford University Press, 1838, Vol. II, pages 409-411.